Reds' Phillips on the way out of Cincinnati?

Cincinnati Reds second baseman Brandon Phillips (4) makes a play on a hard hit ground ball off the bat of Pittsburgh Pirates' Pedro Alvarez (24) during the second inning of their MLB National League baseball game at Great American Ball Park in Cincinnati, Ohio, September 27, 2013. (REUTERS)

In brief, Phillips has put his club’s front office through hell and back this season, beginning with a public rant about the Reds extending Joey Votto before addressing his contract situation.

After that, the 32-year-old, three-time all-star accosted a reporter in manager Dusty Baker’s office prior to a game, which drew the ire of a number of onlookers after the incident was caught on camera.

If the Reds manage to trade Phillips, they’ll save upwards of $50 million over the lifetime of the deal they offered him in 2012.

The Atlanta Journal constitution reported this weekend that the Braves might be interested in taking Phillips off Cinci’s payroll.

Phillips' average dropped to .261 in 2013 and he finished with 98 strikeouts, the most he's had over the last five seasons with the Reds.